Urinary, climacteric and sexual symptoms 1 year after treatment of cervical cancer without brachytherapy.

OBJECTIVE

Prospective studies elucidating the impact of the treatment of cervical cancer on urinary and climacteric symptoms and sexual life are relatively rare. The aim of this study was to seek information about the occurrence of urinary, climacteric and sexual symptoms in women with cervical cancer before and 1 year after treatment without brachytherapy.

METHODS

This prospective study evaluated 39 women treated for cervical cancer. Data were collected by two questionnaires (before and 1 year after treatment). In order to supplement the data from the questionnaires, some data were selected from the patient's medical records.

RESULTS

The number of voluntary micturitions, urgency, urinary incontinence and climacteric symptoms had not increased 1 year after treatment. Vaginal dryness and dyspareunia had increased and sexual desire was reduced 1-year post-treatment.

CONCLUSION

This study has shown that urinary and climacteric symptoms are not frequent 1 year after treatment of cervical cancer without brachytherapy. However, there is an increased occurrence of vaginal dryness and sexual disorders 1-year post-treatment, mainly in the form of dyspareunia and reduced sexual desire. Taken together these symptoms affect the women's quality of life and it is, therefore, crucial that the medical providers become more aware of and skilled to deal with these conditions before and after treatment.